### CAF Restructures African Football: AFCON to Transition to Four-Year Cycle The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant change in the scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), moving from a biennial to a quadrennial format starting in 2028. This decision aims to align the tournament with other major international competitions and to introduce a new African Nations League, enhancing the competitive landscape of African football. The shift is expected to reduce conflicts between club and national team commitments, thereby improving the overall quality and appeal of the tournament. The announcement was made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe during a press conference in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3737598-a-new-era-africas-football-shake-up-with-afcon-and-nations-league]. ### Key Changes and Structure of the Announcement 1. **Transition to Four-Year Cycle**: - AFCON will now be held every four years, starting after the 2027 edition, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda [https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/africa-cup-of-nations-four-year-cycle-from-2028]. 2. **Introduction of African Nations League**: - Alongside the new AFCON schedule, CAF will launch an African Nations League, which is expected to provide more competitive opportunities for national teams [https://www.arise.tv/caf-introduces-african-nations-league-shifts-afcon-to-four-year-cycle]. 3. **Alignment with Global Football Calendar**: - The changes are designed to better align African football with the global football calendar, reducing club-versus-country conflicts that have historically plagued the sport [https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/features/africa-cup-of-nations-shift-to-4-year-cycle-sparks-debate-over-identity-and-prestige/2025]. 4. **Increased Prize Money**: - CAF has also announced an increase in prize money for the tournament, raising it to $10 million, which is expected to enhance the tournament's prestige and attract more attention [https://www.zambiamonitor.com/afcon-to-be-played-every-four-years-beginning-2028-as-caf-announces-increase-in-prize-money-to-10-million]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Timeline of Changes**: - **2027**: Last biennial AFCON edition to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. - **2028**: First AFCON in the new four-year cycle. - **2029**: Launch of the African Nations League [https://apnews.com/article/africa-cup-nations-league-shakeup-937ae0bc7668d5d4f6667d924c33a6c4]. - **Financial Implications**: - Prize money increased to **$10 million**, a significant boost aimed at enhancing the tournament's attractiveness [https://www.africainterviews.com/afcon-to-hold-every-4-years-as-caf-confirms-10m-prize-money-boost]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for African Football The decision to shift AFCON to a four-year cycle marks a pivotal moment in African football, promising to enhance the tournament's global appeal and competitive integrity. 1. **Major Shift**: The transition from a biennial to a quadrennial format is a landmark change that aligns with global standards. 2. **New Opportunities**: The introduction of the African Nations League will provide additional competitive platforms for national teams. 3. **Financial Growth**: Increased prize money reflects a commitment to elevating the tournament's status and attracting greater investment. These changes are expected to reshape the landscape of African football, fostering a more competitive environment and enhancing the overall experience for players and fans alike [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3737463-african-soccer-enters-a-new-era-with-major-changes].